Whether you’re seeking culture, history, shopping, dining, or simply a change of scenery, plenty of destinations within a three-hour drive of Cincinnati make for an easy getaway.
1 French Lick, Indiana
Known for its mineral springs and grand resort hotels, French Lick offers championship golf, a casino, hiking trails, boutique shopping, and a scenic railway through southern Indiana’s rolling hills. frenchlickwestbaden.com
Extend your stay
Lodging: French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel have been restored to the grandeur of their early-1900s heydey.
Dining: Together, the hotels offer three standout options: 1875: The Steakhouse, Sinclair’s Restaurant, and Table One, a chef’s Tasting- Table experience for groups of up to 10.
Special Treat: The Spa at French Lick and The Spa at West Baden offer a range of treatments. West Baden’s spa also features a health club and indoor lap pool.
2 The Kentucky Bourbon Trail
While the full trail spans much of central Kentucky, several renowned distilleries are easily accessible from Cincinnati as a day trip. Visitors can tour historic rickhouses, learn about bourbon production, and enjoy guided tastings. kybourbontrail.com
Extend your stay
Beaumont Inn in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, features two historic buildings, including one built in 1845 as a college for young women. beaumontinn.com
The Ashbrook Hotel in Frankfort is a 14-room inn located in the former home of E.H. Taylor, often called the “father of the modern bourbon industry.” ashbrookhotel.com
The Trail Hotel in Bardstown was designed for bourbon tourism and offers bourbon-focused amenities and concierge services tailored to distillery visits. thetrailhotel.com
3 Madison, Indiana
On the banks of the Ohio River, Madison boasts one of the country’s largest National Historic Landmark districts, featuring beautifully preserved 19th-century homes and churches. Visitors can spend the day exploring antique shops, upscale boutiques and galleries. visitmadison.org
Extend your stay
Lodging: The Chandler Hotel has a rooftop terrace and is within walking distance of restaurants and the riverfront. thechandlerhotel.com
Dining: River Oak Chophouse is known for wood-fired steaks, seafood, craft cocktails, and a refined dining-room atmosphere.
riveroakchophouse.com
Tour: The Lanier Mansion State Historic Site and its formal gardens are open year-round for tours. indianamuseum.org
4 Columbus
Explore nationally recognized institutions like the Columbus Zoo, Columbus Museum of Art, picturesque German Village, and the galleries and independent shops of the Short North Arts District. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens showcases exotic plants and Dale Chihuly artworks. experiencecolumbus.com
Extend your stay
Lodging: In the Short North Arts District, Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph features contemporary art, spa suites, and easy access to dining and nightlife. marriott.com
Dining: The Refectory features French-inspired cuisine, tasting menus, and an exceptional wine program in an elegant candlelit setting.
refectory.com
Fun tip: The Short North Gallery Hop, held on the first Saturday of each month, features local and national artists, live performances, and shops and restaurants along High Street. shortnorth.org
5 Dayton
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force houses an extraordinary collection of aircraft and exhibits that appeal to history buffs and aviation enthusiasts. Carillon Historical Park showcases Dayton’s contributions to transportation, industry, and the Wright brothers’ legacy.
nationalmuseum.af.mil | daytoncvb.com
Dining suggestions
Grist is a chef-driven restaurant known for handmade pasta and culinary techniques rooted in fine dining. eatgrist.com
Bistecca, located inside Hotel Ardent, offers an elevated Italian-inspired dining experience and craft cocktails.
The Garden Grille & Bar, inside the Dayton Arcade, combines contemporary American cuisine with a unique historic setting.
6 Indianapolis, Indiana
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of racing, antique, and classic cars, including more than 30 Indianapolis 500 winners. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis—the world’s largest children’s museum—features five floors of interactive exhibits and learning opportunities. visitindy.com
Extend your stay
Lodging: With easy access to downtown attractions, Conrad Indianapolis offers a full-service spa, fine dining and upscale suites. hilton.com
Dining: Vida’s seasonal à la carte menu and rotating sixcourse tasting menu showcase fresh ingredients and culinary technique. vida-restaurant.com
For history buffs: Explore 19th-century villages, meet costumed interpreters, and ride a tethered hot-air balloon at Conner Prairie. visitindy.com
7 Yellow Springs
With its vibrant arts scene, this village attracts visitors seeking boutiques, galleries, and inviting cafés. A stroll through downtown reveals handcrafted jewelry, galleries, artisan bakeries, coffee roasters, and bookstores. yellowspringsohio.org
Extend your stay
Lodging: Mills Park Hotel is in a prime walkable location in the heart of town. millsparkhotel.com
Dining: The Winds Café focuses on seasonal, chef-driven cuisine in an intimate, artsy atmosphere. windscafe.com
Special treat: Springs Healing Massage offers therapeutic massage, couples’ treatments, reflexology, and Reiki. yellowspringsmassagetherapy.com
8 Ohio Caverns
Among Ohio’s most remarkable natural attractions, Ohio Caverns features stunning underground chambers filled with colorful crystal formations and intricate geological features. Multiple tour options make the caverns accessible to a broad range of travelers, including the Limestone Tour, designed for guests with limited mobility. ohiocaverns.com
Suggested stop along the way
Young’s Jersey Dairy: If there are kids in the car, stop at this family-friendly farm for homemade ice cream, mini-golf, a petting zoo, and more. youngsdairy.com
9 Hocking Hills State Park
Natural beauty and adventure go hand-in-hand in Hocking Hills—from hiking trails like Old Man’s Cave and thrilling ziplines to river floats and scenic waterfalls. The Upper Falls is a picturesque waterfall that cascades into a clear pool below creating a tranquil and scenic spot perfect for nature lovers and photographers. hockinghills.com
Extend your stay
Lodging: The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls is surrounded on three sides by parks. Along with the lodge, there are cabins, cottages, geodomes and yurts. innatcedarfalls.com
Dining: Thistle & Stone offers multi-course gourmet dinners, live bagpipes, and old-world Scottish elegance. glenlaurel.com
Special treat: Go tubing on the Hocking River. Drift along gentle currents, soak in the scenery, and let the river do the work. hockinghillscanoeing.com
Article originally appeared in September 2026